John 15:26-27

”When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.” vs. 26

According to John, one of the prime tasks of the Holy Spirit was advocacy. Because Jesus had not defended himself at his hearing before Pilate, all sorts of malicious and defamatory things were being said about him by his enemies, the religious leaders. After his death and resurrection the Holy Spirit came to equip his disciples to be his advocates and spread the good news of his life and love for all people–and that’s what they did! In our time that Spirit-filled ministry of advocacy continues for the people of God. Jesus told us that he is present among us in the hungry, the naked, the imprisoned, and the poor. Being faithful to his call means that we will gladly take up the spiritual work of advocacy on their behalf. We’ll write letters, testify, sign petitions, lobby, and do all we can to be their defenders. There are some who think congregations ought not to be involved in such things–they believe it’s too divisive and political. But many others believe that our call is clear–we have been commissioned to reach out to the least and the lost, and one of the most effective ways to engage in such ministry is through advocacy. As we testify on their behalf, we are actually testifying on behalf of Jesus.

Thought for the Day: What does an advocate do?